A funny thing happened a year ago when we went out to Jack Daniel’s to select a Tennessee whiskey barrel: we ended up choosing a rye barrel instead.

While we understand that Bourbon (in this case Tennessee whiskey) typically outsells rye by at least 4 to 1 here at Mission, we’re still whiskey purists at heart. That means we go with the best whiskey, no matter what it is, when it’s presented to us because we pride ourselves on our barrel picks. When it came down to the specimens on the tasting table, there was no question as to which barrel we wanted. From over 20 Tennessee whiskey selections and another 10 rye barrel offerings, one whiskey reigned supreme at the end of the afternoon.

You’ll understand why when you simply nose the glass. The aromas are decadent and heady, concentrated with graham cracker notes and an opulent bouquet of sweet charred oak. At 47%, it’s far from a heater, but something about the combination of richness and spice is striking, coating the palate with a thick, oily texture while blasting it with a bold pepperiness that cuts through the fat.

If there’s one thing we understand at Mission, it’s that no one needs another basic, everyday, pedestrian-level, retailer barrel pick that clogs up space on your bar without delivering something truly special. We’re certain that this little whiskey has a place in your collection, however. Keep it at the front of the bar, however. It’s the type of barrel pick you’ll actually want to drink, rather than fuss over.